On a recent visit to Llandrindod Lake in Mid Wales, I came across something rather unexpected: a set of vintage Godiva fire pumps. I met a gentleman who had just finished packing them away after a test run. He explained that he had recently restored the pumps and wanted to check they were still in good working order.
As a photographer, I could not resist capturing them. The bold paintwork, aged dials, and sturdy hand-wheel valves all tell the story of equipment designed for reliability and service.
A Snapshot of Godiva Fire Pump History
Godiva is a long-established British manufacturer, best known for producing portable fire pumps. These units were widely used by fire brigades across the UK and overseas. Their great advantage was flexibility, as they could quickly draw water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, making them especially useful in rural areas without a mains supply.
A Local Connection to Llandrindod
These pumps were not only used in firefighting. At Llandrindod Lake, one was even put to work during an outbreak of toxic blue-green algae, when oxygen levels dropped and fish suffered mass casualties. You can read more about that event in my earlier post: Toxic Blue-Green Algae in Llandrindod Lake.
Photographing Restored Engineering
What fascinates me about vintage machinery is the detail. The peeling paint, weathered pressure gauges, and heavy steel valves each tell a story. Restored examples like these are more than just machines. They are part of our industrial heritage.
Capturing them through photography is about more than documenting mechanics. It is about preserving the history of the people who built, maintained, and relied on them, as well as those who care enough to restore them today.
Why They Still Matter
Portable pumps such as this Godiva unit were once essential tools for fire brigades, particularly in rural communities. While modern fire engines now carry advanced pumps, older models remain a vital part of our firefighting heritage. Thanks to dedicated restorers, they continue to appear at heritage shows, demonstrations, and community events, helping to keep their story alive.ost about photography — finding stories in unexpected places, and using images to preserve them.